By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Chery Tiggo Crossovers showed why they are one of the hottest teams in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference right now after blanking the Cignal HD Spikers, 26-24, 25-20, 26-24, on April 11, 2024, at the Philsports Arena.
With the morale-boosting victory, Chery Tiggo just picked up its fourth consecutive win to equalize the 6-2 win-loss records of the Creamline Cool Smashers and the Petro Gazz Angels.
Despite the contest ending in a 3-0 sweep, it wasn’t an easy task to achieve for the Crossovers as the HD Spikers put up a fight in all the sets played.
Chery Tiggo gained quick momentum midway through the match after surviving Cignal during the nip-and-tuck first-set affair.
After grabbing the much-needed win the opening frame, the Crossovers ramped up their intensity in the second set and started to execute their fluid offensive sets efficiently.
What also stood out in Chery Tiggo’s game in the first two sets was their improved floor coverage, scoring consecutive excellent digs to prevent Cignal from building any momentum out of their explosive firepower.
In the tightly contested third set, the Laure Sisters, EJ and Eya, steered the Crossovers to a close win after the frame went to a 24-all deadlock.
With Cignal trying to catch up after Ces Molina sparked their hopes of a comeback, the Laure sisters then played major spoilers after scoring the last two points for Chery Tiggo to help them nab their fourth straight PVL win.
Eya once again spearheaded Chery Tiggo’s attack after top-scoring her squad with 16 big points built from 11 successful attacks to go alongside three service aces and two blocks.
Meanwhile, her sister EJ, stepped up when the Crossovers needed her the most and stuffed the stat sheets with 13 markers, 13 excellent digs, and 11 excellent receptions.
Chery Tiggo will look to sustain its fine form on April 16, 2024, as they take on another rolling squad in the league, the PLDT High-Speed Hitters.
